Release Of Stamp Honouring Paul Yuzyk,

Father Of Multiculturalism,

Celebrated At The Senate Of Canada

On Thursday, October 24, the release of a new stamp commemorating the late Honourable Paul Yuzyk was celebrated at the Senate of Canada.

“I am proud to welcome the release of a stamp commemorating this great Canadian,” said Senator Raynell Andreychuk, who hosted the ceremony. “The principle of ‘unity in diversity,’ which Senator Yuzyk helped transform into policy, is one of our great strengths and the envy of others around the world.”

Senator Yuzyk is recognized for his role in underlining the contributions of all Canadians in the nation-building process and in establishing multiculturalism as one of the fundamental characteristics of Canadian heritage and identity. This year the Ukrainian Collectibles Society of Toronto, a Chapter of the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society, undertook to design a Canada Post Picture Postage Permanent Stamp honouring the late Senator Paul Yuzyk for his role in shaping the history of Canada. The stamp will be officially released on October 26, 2013.

“Senator Paul Yuzyk is best remembered as the father of Canadian multiculturalism. I am very pleased that since 2009, the Government of Canada’s annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to multiculturalism bears his name, and that his important legacy continues to be highlighted through initiatives such as this commemorative stamp,” said the Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., MP, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, who participated in the event.

Senator Yuzyk’s daughters, Vera Yuzyk, Vicki Karpiak and Eve Yuzyk-Duravetz attended the ceremony on Parliament Hill. Also in attendance were Mark Stelmacovich, VP of the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society; Ihor Bardyn, President of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada (UNF); and Paul Migus, Director, UNF Ottawa-Gatineau.

Dr. Paul Yuzyk, professor of history, author and community leader, was called to the Senate in February 1963 on the advice of Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker. In his maiden speech in the Senate, Senator Yuzyk called for an all-inclusive Canadian identity:

“The greater Canada that is in our power to make will be built not on uniformity but on continuing diversity,” he said.

Senator Yuzyk also predicted that Canada would become a role model for the world facing similar immigration and integration challenges.

PHOTOS

1 - Senate in Ottawa Honoures Paul Yuzyk with stamp. L. to R.: Vicki Karpiak, The Honourable Senator Raynell Andreychuk, The Honorouble Jason Kenney, MP

2 - L. to R.: Paula Stelmach (grand-daughter of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk); three daughters of the late Senator Paul Yuzyk: Eve Yuzyk, Vicki Karpiak, Vera Yuzyk; The Honorouble Jason Kenney, MP and The Honourable Senator Raynell Andreychuk